I don’t know whether Lent is one of those seasons you ignore, attempt to give something up or take something up. The season of lent is helpful as it directs Christian thought towards the cross and provides space to help us reflect or to pause and remember central concerns of our faith. As a church community we have been asking ourselves some important questions about who we are and what we are about – it’s an ongoing conversation but is helping us to think about how we use the resources we have and the things we should be focussed upon.

We are pleased to welcome Debbie Beeken as the new Children’s Centre Co-ordinator for Yiewsley Children’s Centre. Debbie is responsible for the day to day running of the centre and looking after the staff – do pop in and say hello.

There are a few community events taking place over the next few weeks see below for more details but here are some highlights…

Our next charity Quiz night in support of Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice will take place on Saturday 24th March, 7:30pm

March 29th see the return of the International Dinner (if you’ve not been before you really should come and check it out). It is more of a feast than a dinner and includes delicious dishes from around the world. 1st April we will celebrate Easter Sunday and as Christian’s this is the most central day for us and we like to have a joyful celebration – all are welcome to join with us in our time of worship.

We are also starting to think and plan for the Community Fun Day… we have 30th June pencilled in the diary and will be looking for people to get involved or charities, community groups and businesses to be part of this fun filled day.

So as we journey to the cross and the death of Jesus on what we know as Good Friday we look beyond to his resurrection and new life and celebration of Easter Sunday and beyond.

The typical greeting at this time is to wish you a Happy New Year. We know however that whilst this may be a hope it is for many a challenging time, a chance to reflect and to wonder where the last year went or how we survived or will survive all that life throws our way. It is therefore our pray that you will find hope this year and know times of peace.

To begin the year we are holding a Week of Community Prayer – with space to come and sit in the church quietly reflecting or meditating, opportunities to pray around the streets of Yiewsley as well as times to be guided in prayer. You don’t need to know how to pray or even be certain of who to pray to but if you would like to join us or take some time out in the quiet you are welcome to join us. The full timetable is available here.
If there is something you would like us to pray for please email: prayer@yiewsleybaptistchurch.com

For some 2018 represents new starts and we welcome Laura Laryea as the new Locality Lead Officer with responsibility for Yiewsley Children’s Centre (as well as Cherry Lane and Colham Manor). The church begins a new Bible Study on Thursday 18th January, 7:30pm where we will be taking a look through the Gospel of Luke every other week.

Of course there are a number of our regular activities and events returning after the Christmas break including Coffee Morning on Friday 12th January from 9:30am.

Other activities are taking a break as we consider how we best serve our community with the resources that we have. As such there will be no Sunday School for the month of January and Nursery Rhymes is on hold until further notice.

So with a New Year come some new opportunities and people, some changes and some things staying the same. We give thanks that our God is the same yesterday, today and forever.

From Sunday 7th to Sunday 14th January 2018 we will be holding a special Week of Community Prayer as we focus on God at the start of the New Year and pray for the local community here in Yiewsley.

As well as using the guide in your own prayer time there will be various times of prayer at the church so you can find some quiet space, join with others in prayer or walk around our local community praying for the people and places we encounter.

Discourse is a safe space to discuss the Christian faith and from 18th January 2018 we will be taking a look at the Gospel of Luke – one of the books of the Bible that talks about Jesus’ life and ministry.
Whether you have read the Bible before or it is completely new to you this is an opportunity to read, listen, chat and learn together. We will be meeting every other week on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm discussing and reflecting whilst enjoying a few refreshments.

In theory December is meant to be a time of waiting. Advent is part of the Christian Calendar designed to make time for pausing, reflecting and waiting with anticipation for Christmas. However, December in reality for many is filled with shopping, preparing, decorating, arranging, events, parties, meals, lights, noise, music, and is much busier than other times of the year. We’ve already enjoyed our Christmas Market (See photos) and are so grateful for everyone who took part – it was a fun day and we are already looking forward to next year! Our annual Family Nativity Service took place on Sunday with adults and children alike getting into character and helping us to think about the birth of Jesus.

Then as we enter a New Year we will be having a week of prayer. There will be opportunities to simply come into the quiet of the church and to be still. Whether you have faith and pray or are unsure but need some quiet you are welcome. We will also be praying for our community and welcome requests and suggests for things to pray for so do get in touch (prayer@yiewsleybaptistchurch.com).

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